What is often the result of sexual selection in species?

Sexual selection often leads to the development of sexual dimorphism, which is the divergence in physical characteristics between males and females of the same species. This phenomenon arises because individuals with certain traits are more likely to attract mates and reproduce. For example, in many species, males may develop elaborate features such as bright plumage or large antlers to be more appealing to potential female partners. These traits can signal health and genetic fitness, thus influencing reproductive success.

In contrast, natural selection generally refers to the survival of the fittest related to environmental pressures, while genetic drift involves random changes in allele frequencies that can lead to variations in population genetics over time. Mutations introduce new genetic variations but do not directly relate to the selective pressures of mating choices that drive sexual dimorphism. Thus, the distinct characteristics observed in males and females as a result of sexual selection are a clear indicator of how reproductive strategies shape morphological traits in a species.